Next Word, Better Word: The Craft of Writing Poetry

The book is great. The service was great. A good experience.

I can't figure out just yet if I've become much more well read since I read [book:Best Words Best Order|288064] and so his references seem less convincing to me, or if Dobyns' treatise in the last essay of this book, about (among other things, including the history of language) how poetry has fallen into a kind of residual position, with poets themselves to blame, is indicative of the essence of his fall of late in my opinion. His more recent poetry collections have ranged from rather plain to unreadable, and in them there seems to be an uncomfortably earnest attempt to make poetry 'matter,' and in all the wrong ways. Whether they're paper-thin political observations in [book:Winter's Journey|2035785], or , as in [book:Mystery So Long|288063], ars poetica that sound like superficial rehashing of much more interesting stuff we've both read. In this unfortunate follow-up to [book:Best Words Best Order|288064], Dobyns offers wonderful insights about poetry and its relationship to the brain and its inner workings, but his analyses fall well short at times, diving into deep abysses of literary terms but lacking followthrough, making many of his 'insights' feel like paraphrases of others. More so, there's a push here to be an American Master, a level of salesmanship that may have been in his work from the beginning, but before, the quality of his work made such salesmanship a minor element and non-intrusive. Of late, quality doesn't seem to be eclipsing his ambition.

This book is absolutely incredible! Dobyns offers thoughtful critique of poets throughout the canon and translates his critique into practical advice for the contemporary writer. His principles have entirely changed how I view my own poetry, and I recommend this book for all aspiring poets. It's a pleasure to read and is easily one of my favorite books on craft.

What a fabulous book on Poetry and the craft of writing it. I had no prior exposure to poetry writing before reading this book yet I found it intelligent, helpful, and I felt quite informed after the reading. I definitely recommend Next Word, Better Word.

This is interesting but very professorial, but Dobyns is enchanted with Baudelaire and I am not. He quotes a particularly obscene poem, which he acknowledges but can't shake it. Why inflict it on the reader I wonder. There are better, more wholesome how-to books out there.

Some good, informative tools for creative writing.

This was my granddaughter's Christmas gift. She was thrilled to get it and immediately started playing with it. She really enjoys these games.

If you love poetry you will love this book. He's a real genius and full of thoughtful insights.

an essential book for the poet. he is exact and accessible. worth every cent and every minute reading.